Main » WhatsApp Payments feature based on UPI spotted on Android, iOS beta

WhatsApp Payments feature based on UPI spotted on Android, iOS beta

08 February 2018

As technology gets more affordable and convenient, so will the payments method which are used to transfer funds with will become too.

The latest feature to be launched soon is group video and voice calling on the messaging platform. Despite updating to WhatsAppAndroid beta version 2.18.44 ourselves, we couldn't spot this feature.

Moreover, WhatsApp has also been testing the option to switch to a video call during a voice call at the same time.

First reported by GizmoTimes, WhatsApp has started beta testing WhatsApp Payments in India. This indicates the final stage of inclusion of WhatsApp payments system on the Android app. The payments will be through UPI (Unified Payments Interface) but for now, it is only showing the list of banks and also the bank account that is linked, but the account is not getting added.

WhatsApp has not enabled this option for all the beta users as of now.

In simple words, WhatsApp payment feature will make it easier for users to send and receive money without relying on any other app. WhatsApp got the approval to integrate UPI service in July 2017. Putting it in simple words, the transaction will be successful if and only if payments option is available to both the transacting parties. Hence, the roll-out of WhatsApp Payments in India would only boost the number of digital transactions in the country.

To send money to someone over UPI, you might have to go to his/her chat and tap a paperclip icon at the bottom right corner (similar to how you attach audio, documents, pictures, contacts and Google Maps location coordinates).

We have been hearing of WhatsApp rolling out a UPI-based payments service in India since past year.